Gospel of Mark Part 8: A Teacher with Authority [Small Group Discussion]

Rev. Bruce A. Shields
Feb 23
3 min read

Updated: Aug 12

Small Group Discussions based on Sermons from the House of Faith Church by Rev. Bruce A. Shields

Title: A Teacher with Authority

Scripture Focus: Mark 1:21–28 – “And they went into Capernaum; and immediately on the Sabbath He entered the synagogue and began to teach. And they were astonished at His teaching; for He was teaching them as one having authority, and not as the scribes. And immediately there was a man in their synagogue with an unclean spirit; and he cried out, saying, ‘What do we have to do with You, Jesus the Nazarene? Have You come to destroy us? I know who You are—the Holy One of God!’ And Jesus rebuked him, saying, ‘Be quiet, and come out of him!’ And throwing him into convulsions, the unclean spirit cried out with a loud voice and came out of him. And they were all amazed, so that they were arguing among themselves, saying, ‘What is this? A new teaching with authority! He commands even the unclean spirits, and they obey Him.’ And immediately the news about Him spread everywhere into all the surrounding district of Galilee.”

OPENING QUESTION

What does it mean to you personally that Jesus not only spoke with authority but also proved it through action?

BACKGROUND

After being baptized, tested in the wilderness, and beginning His public ministry by calling His first disciples, Jesus entered Capernaum and began teaching in the synagogue on the Sabbath. What happened that day left the people astonished—not only because of His words, but because He backed them up with undeniable spiritual authority. His teaching was unlike anything they had heard from their scribes, and His actions confirmed that He was bringing something entirely new.

KEY POINTS

1. Jesus Taught with Authority

The Setting: In Capernaum on the Sabbath, inside the synagogue (Matthew 4:12–13).
The Difference: Unlike the scribes who quoted past rabbis, Jesus declared truth on His own authority, saying, “But I say to you…” (Matthew 5:27–28, Mark 2:10).
The People’s Response: They were astonished at His teaching (Mark 1:22, Matthew 7:28–29, John 7:46).

2. Jesus Demonstrated His Authority

The Confrontation: An unclean spirit confronted Him in the synagogue (Mark 1:23–24), openly acknowledging Jesus as “the Holy One of God.”
The Command: Jesus rebuked the spirit and cast it out (Mark 1:25–26).
The Nature of Unclean Spirits: While Scripture does not fully explain their origin, it is clear they can oppress and possess, and that Jesus had full power over them (Matthew 12:28, Hebrews 2:14–15).
Biblical Context: Demonic activity appears most prominently during Jesus’ ministry—evidence of the direct clash between the Kingdom of God and the kingdom of darkness.

3. The People’s Realization

Recognition of New Doctrine: The people acknowledged this was “a new teaching with authority” (Mark 1:27).
Confirmation of His Message: Signs and miracles validated that His teaching was from God (Hebrews 2:1–4, Mark 16:20).
Rapid Spread of His Fame: Word of Jesus’ authority spread throughout Galilee (Mark 1:28), though it would later cause Him difficulty in freely moving from place to place (Mark 1:45).

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

Why do you think people were more astonished by Jesus’ authority than by the miracles themselves?
How does the difference between the scribes’ teaching and Jesus’ teaching apply to preaching and teaching today?
Why is it important that Jesus’ authority was demonstrated both in word and in action?
What lessons can we learn from the unclean spirit’s immediate recognition of Jesus?
How can we guard ourselves from being led astray by focusing on “signs” instead of God’s truth?

APPLICATION

Jesus’ ministry shows us that real authority is not just about speaking truth but also living and acting in alignment with it. As His disciples, we are called to proclaim the gospel with confidence, grounded in God’s Word, and to resist anything that seeks to distort or oppose it. We must test all teaching against Scripture (Acts 17:11) and guard our hearts so that no one deceives us (Matthew 24:4).

MEMORY VERSE

Hebrews 2:1 – “For this reason we must pay much closer attention to what we have heard, lest we drift away.”

PRAYER FOCUS

Pray for the discernment to recognize truth from error and the courage to stand firmly on God’s Word. Ask the Lord to give you boldness to proclaim His truth and to confirm it through a life that reflects His power and authority.